Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] How to go from 2.5 D to real 3 D ??

Tom,
If you are at the stage where you are currently using Corel Draw and not in
any 3d drawing programs at all, and it is your goal to run your machine in a
full 3d mode, you may want to look for some BMP to G-Code converters. To go
to a much higher level will first require you to have a 3d drawing program
that will export or save various 3d formats (stl, iges, 3ddxf), and then in
turn convert them to code in an appropriate software (STLWork, Millwizzard).

Typically, Bitmap to Code converters (Master5 has one built in ?) will work
this way:

You take one of your Corel Drawings, Export it as a Bitmap (.bmp)
Then open the Bitmap in the conversion program. There you will be able to
start defining what you want done. Based off of the standard 256 level
grayscale, you will be able to set depths based on pixel color. In other
words you can tell the program to cut the lighter colors to one depth and
darker colors to another. Once those depths are defined and maybe overall
work area, you can generate the code to run in full 3d. It is a very basic
way to make some 3d images for very little money. I have seen this offered
from Freeware in DOS format to under $100 in windows.

Do a search for BMP to G-Code in a search engine. You should turn a few up.
DesKam and Signs on Tap ring a bell................

Chris L
DATA-CUT

tom.kay@... wrote:

> Hi All
>
> I am getting closer to running my 3 stepper motors for the first
> time, using Dan Mauch's 5 amp boards. Setting aside all the fine
> tuning etc, for the moment, I am most curious about cutting metal in
> real 3D using 3 steppers, or even a 4th axis (rotary table).
>
> I think I get the concept about what's 2.5 D and what's 3D. In 2.5 D,
> you do some x-y movements, then stop, lift the tool in the z axis,
> then stop, and do more x-y cutting. In 3D, all three axes can move at
> once. Or 4, if you have a rotary device.
>
> But how do you make the jump up to 3D? Right now, I can draw
> something in Corel Draw, save as a DXF file, convert to G-code, and
> away I go. My drawings are 2-D. I would REALLY prefer to stay with
> Corel Draw if I can (instead of AutoCad) but I'd like to try 3D. Do I
> have to draw differently, essentially a 3D drawing? Does anyone know
> if this can be done in Corel Draw?
>
> I am planning on buying Art's Master5, since I hate DOS, and it seems
> to operate smoothly, according to feedback about the software.
>
> Also, how does the G-code get generated for a real 3D operation? Are
> the files typically huge compared to 2D work?
>
> Lots of questions, I know, but I figured I'd better get into it if
> I'm ever going to see 3 or 4 stepper motors working at the same time.
>
> Thanks to anyone who tries to explain. Tom Kay, Ottawa.
>
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